From The Ashes The Brave Rose.

Crisis creates opportunity and new HSN Canberra writer Julian Hall gives us his take on the recent events in Canberra

Australia. The land of the dry hot summers, Kangaroos and Cricket.

The typical underdog story we all love to hear in this great country of ours, down and out, only to rise up to the occasion and show the world what were made of; grit, hard work and determination.

No I’m not talking about the Australian Cricket teams achievements this past summer. I’m referring to an Ice Hockey team from the nation’s capital which, 8 days ago, was told they were no more. The club folded only 6 weeks out from the start of the Australian Ice Hockey league (AIHL) season.

Citing financial costs, lack of local players and poor performances as the reasons behind the move, owner of the Canberra Knights ice hockey team John Raut, gave notice to the team that operations would cease immediately.

What followed was a true example of community spirit and pride. A consortium, led by Knights team captain Mark Rummukainen and backed up by the vocal support (and financial support) of the Canberra community, were able to meet the requirements set down by the AIHL for re-entry back into the league for the 2014 season.

A public donations page was setup, which has raised over $27 000, with donations coming in from around the world. Along with this, various sponsorships and a $29 000 grant from the ACT government for local sports, help sealed the deal.

This is no mean feat given that the group were only given four days to raise the funds, ensure they had the player depth and seal a deal with the ice rink management.

A meeting was arranged with the AIHL on Monday night, and three days later the verdict was given to allow a Canberra team into the 2014 AIHL season.

Although the new team cannot be identified as the ‘Knights’, due to legal reasons, the new team, to be known as the CBR Brave, will maintain the spirit that has helped it to rise it up from the ashes to once again be part of the 2014 AIHL season.

A sell-out crowd is expected for the Canberra team’s first game of the season at home on April 12 against the Newcastle North Stars.

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Julian Hall

Writer - CBR Brave

Growing up with two brothers all close together meant that sports was part of everyday life. Whether it be cricket, football, ice hockey or lawn bowls, it was always game on. Apart from sports, writing was always a passion from a very young age. Now with a young family of my own, I get to share the joys of sport with my own children, from watching our favorite teams to playing our selves.

Comments

Comments

Not just “backed up by the vocal support (and financial support) of the Canberra community” but the rest of Oz too mate. I reckon every city had a few that offered money, time and resources to make this happen. Was a beautiful thing to see.